The Athens High School varsity football team will play a home playoff game against Van High School on Friday, November 15, at 7:30 PM at Tyler-Rose Stadium. This matchup is part of the 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships for Football Conference 4A Division 2.

Van vs Athens Football Game Info:

What: Texas High School Football Playoffs
Who: Van vs Athens
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:30 p.m.
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Game preview: Van vs Athens

In a highly anticipated Texas high school football showdown, Van and Athens will face off in what promises to be an exciting game. Both teams bring strong records, impressive statistics, and unique strengths to the field, making this matchup one to watch closely.

Team Records and Standings

The Van Vandals come in with a 7-3 record, having performed well at home (5-0) but facing some challenges on the road (2-3). They rank 156th in their section and 65th in the Texas state division, showing strong local and statewide standings. Their district record stands at 3-2, giving them a solid .700 win percentage.

Athens, on the other hand, holds an 8-2 record, ranking 197th in their section and 85th in the state division. They have an impressive district record of 4-1, boasting a win percentage of .800 overall. With strong performances both at home (4-1) and away (4-1), Athens has proven to be a versatile team capable of competing in any environment.

Scoring Averages

Both teams exhibit high-scoring capabilities, with Van averaging 37.2 points per game and Athens close behind at 35.4. A look at their scoring breakdown by quarters reveals that Van tends to be strongest in the third quarter, averaging 11.7 points. Athens, meanwhile, shines in the first quarter, averaging 10.7 points, suggesting a strong start that could put early pressure on their opponent.

Team Stats Comparison

When it comes to offensive stats, Van has the edge in total yardage, averaging 354.3 yards per game compared to Athens’ 255.6. Van’s strength lies particularly in their rushing game, with an average of 180.8 rushing yards per game, significantly outpacing Athens’ 104.1. Passing yardage is close, with Van at 173.5 yards per game and Athens at 151.5. These stats suggest that while Van may focus on a balanced offensive strategy, Athens may need to rely more heavily on passing plays to counter Van’s rushing advantage.

Key Players to Watch

For Van, quarterback Jaxon Moffatt stands out as a critical player, leading with 197.1 passing yards per game and 226.3 total yards per game. Austin Moffatt is a powerhouse in the rushing game, averaging 97.1 yards per game, and Caden Rowe leads the receiving yards at 96.3 per game.

Athens counters with their own star talent, particularly David Richardson, who leads the team with 199.7 passing yards per game and contributes 200.3 total yards per game. Emanuel Moore is a top receiver, averaging 86.4 yards per game, and Jase Warren leads rushing for Athens at 63.1 yards per game.

Defensive Standouts

Defensively, Athens has been solid, averaging 63.4 tackles per game, with Eli Carnes leading at 10.6 tackles per game. Jase Warren also contributes defensively, leading the team with an average of 0.4 sacks per game. These players will be crucial in containing Van’s high-powered offense.

Recent Performances Against Common Opponents

Both teams share a common victory over Brownsboro. Van defeated Brownsboro in a decisive 56-20 victory on September 27, while Athens pulled off a 45-35 win on October 11. While both teams managed to secure a win, Van’s larger margin of victory may give them a psychological edge.

Final Analysis

With similar scoring averages, balanced rosters, and strong records, this game could easily go either way. If Van can leverage its strong rushing game and maintain its scoring strength in the second half, they might be able to take control. However, Athens’ solid all-around performance, particularly in tackling and their versatile offense, could pose significant challenges for Van’s defense.

Fans can look forward to a close and competitive matchup between these two well-matched Texas high school football teams, with the potential for thrilling plays and dynamic performances on both sides.